The 63-year-old Petrucci, who has been president of CONI since 1999 when he succeeded Bruno Grandi, defeated the Italian golf federation president Franco Chimenti to retain his position.

 

Petrucci received 55 votes, comfortably defeating Chimenti, who received 24 votes.

 

They were the only two candidates.

 

CONI is one of the most powerful and influential Olympic organisations in the world.

 

Founded in 1914, it is responsible for the development and management of sports activity in Italy, including football.

 

Within Italy, CONI recognises 45 national sports federations, 16 associate sports disciplines, 12 promotional sports organisations, one territorial sports organization, and 19 organisations for the betterment of sports.

 

In total 95,000 sports clubs comprised of 11 million members are recognised.

 

It also oversees drugs testing in Italy.